Batswana offering services to the world online is a practical, achievable goal that could provide much-needed hard currency while also reducing dependency on traditional sectors. Special Correspondent DOUGLAS RASBASH explores the terrain of possibilities
In the run-up to the general elections, there is one thing that all parties agree on – Botswana’s economy urgently needs diversification, not only away from diamonds but from mining in general. All parties also talk about the same sectors like industry, tourism, agriculture and financial services and have been earmarked for expansion.
However, nothing is new here. These ideas have seen modest success, the scale of which falls far short of what is necessary to keep our GDP growing, and most importantly, provide jobs. What is obvious is that we need to start to think out of the box – and urgently too! So this item and others to follow will consider different diversification modalities with the expectation that a new fresh and open-minded team will pick them up after the elections.
Firstly, it is necessary to acknowledge that the country’s landlocked nature, small population, and limited domestic market constrain traditional growth avenues. For too long, diversification strategies have focused on sectors that require significant investment and government leadership. Top-down development, if you will. What is overlooked is the potential for ordinary citizens to engage globally online.
Around the world, millions of people in countries both large and small are leveraging their skills in everything from graphic design to programming, consultancy to tutoring – selling their services online, across borders, and earning valuable foreign currency without leaving their homes.
Imagine a future where Botswana becomes home to thousands of online freelancers, consultants, and professionals who are plying their trade to international clients! This is a vision for a decentralised economic engine where individuals, armed with little more than an internet connection and skill, are contributing to the country’s export earnings. It is a vision that could radically alter Botswana’s economic landscape.
Reliable internet infrastructure
For years, jobs have been understood as geographically-bound, with “work” equating to physical presence in a factory, office or mine in Botswana. However, in the 21st century, the idea of a job is changing. Freelancers in countries and regions like the Philippines, India, and Eastern Europe are offering services in software development, virtual assistance, content writing and much more, earning their countries billions in export revenue annually. There’s no reason Botswana can’t do the same.
The government’s role here could be to create an enabling environment – invest in reliable internet infrastructure, ensure that online payment systems like PayPal or Stripe are accessible, and provide training for young people in marketable digital skills. What’s unique about this opportunity is that it does not require millions in capital investments or large-scale policy changes. It requires a shift in mindset: recognising that individuals can be exporters too.
One key sector that could be tapped into is the growing demand for IT services globally. Botswana’s youth, many of whom are already digitally literate, could be upskilled in coding, data analysis, and IT support – skills that are in high demand in Europe, North America and Asia. And while the initial focus could be on exporting skills, over time these young professionals could leverage their experience to develop local tech solutions, spawning a homegrown tech industry.
Reservoir of creative talent
Additionally, creatives – artists, writers, designers – can earn a living by working with global clients. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are just a few places where individuals can start offering services immediately, with little to no capital required. Botswana already has a reservoir of creative talent; what is needed is the encouragement and infrastructure to help them reach global markets.
Even education can be exported. The demand for online tutoring, particularly in subjects like math, science and English is booming. Teachers in Botswana, or those with strong academic backgrounds, could offer their services to students across the globe. This would not only bring in revenue but would also elevate Botswana’s intellectual capital on the world stage.
Imagine 10,000 skilled professionals in Botswana each earning $100,000 per year through online services. This would inject a staggering $1 billion into the economy, adding roughly 5% to Botswana’s GDP. The impact could be transformative, positioning the country as a leader in digital exports and easing its dependency on traditional industries.
Estonia’s e-Residency
This isn’t an unattainable dream; countries like Estonia and the Philippines have already made significant strides by fostering an environment where individuals can thrive in global digital markets. Estonia, for instance, pioneered its e-Residency programme, enabling entrepreneurs to run online businesses from anywhere in the world, while the Philippines has become a global leader in remote services such as customer support and digital freelancing. With the right policy support and infrastructure, Botswana could similarly create a thriving digital workforce, driving diversification and sustainable economic growth.
While all party manifestos for these coming elections talk in terms of diversification – the menu is the same old hat – industry, mining, agriculture and tourism plus a bunch of mega projects. It’s time to reimagine Botswana’s role in the global economy. By fostering an environment where citizens can offer services online, we can begin to diversify the economy from the ground up, minimising risk and investment while maximising returns. It’s a practical, achievable goal that could provide much-needed hard currency while also reducing dependency on traditional sectors.
With the right support and vision, Botswana could become a hub for global online services – a digital exporter of talent and innovation.